In this project you will make a multi-track production of the song you typeset for the LEAD SHEET 3 project. Follow these general steps, SAVING OFTEN:
1.Since you'll be making a "cover" of your lead sheet tune, the FIRST thing to do is RESEARCH and LISTEN. Go on YouTube or other sources and find covers of your tune. Listen and pay attention to the approach the artist(s) used for melody, chord accompaniment, bass part, and percussion/drumming. This is to give you ideas; take notes. Remember, it was the great 20th century Russian composer, Igor Stravinsky, who said, "Lesser artists borrow; great artists steal!" I RECOMMEND YOU PRINT OUT your lead sheet and use it to take notes. ALSO, you'll want to have copies of the lead sheet available as you work on producing your song (i.e. to record a keyboard part, enter or record a bass part, etc.).
2.Convert the LEAD SHEET to a MIDI FILE. Both Finale and Noteflight allow users to SAVE files AS MIDI FILES (.MID). You'll find options for this in the FILE MENU of either program. Save the converted MIDI file version of the song on the desktop so it's easy to find. PLEASE NOTE the TIME SIGNATURE AND KEY of your song.
3. Create a new GarageBand file. When given the option, enter the TIME SIGNATURE and KEY you'd like (that of your lead sheet song). <--This is IMPORTANT!!
4. Drag-and-Drop MIDI file into GarageBand. Do just that: Grab the .MID file off the desktop and drag-and-drop it into the blank area of the TRACK WINDOW of your new GarageBand doc. GarageBand will import the notes of your song.
5. Create a percussion accompaniment. Using LOOPS, GarageBand's DRUMMER, and/or real-time recording of percussion instruments, create a rhythm track that goes along with the feel of your lead sheet song.
6. Create a chord accompaniment track. The chord accompaniment to the melody, often called 'COMPING, fills out the arrangement. You already have a LEAD SHEET, so you have many options for creating this chordal accompaniment:
Real-time MIDI record chords, using keyboard input.
Real-time AUDIO record chords, using a guitar (either interface-to-GB or mic-to-interface-to-GB).
Using the lead sheet, ask a classmate to do either of the above for you. You should describe the "feel," "style," or specific rhythm you'd like.
7. Record/program a BASS LINE for your song. Use the lead sheet and play something as simple as the ROOT of the chord on the first beat of every measure, to something more complex. You can also add additional LAYERS of activity, either rhythmic or tonal. ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR for ideas!
8. Check/Adjust the volume mix levels, and add any other elements to polish your production (i.e. DSP effects, pan, etc.).
9. Export as MP3 and post to your page of the WIKI - please label the song.
In this project you will make a multi-track production of the song you typeset for the LEAD SHEET 3 project. Follow these general steps, SAVING OFTEN:
1.Since you'll be making a "cover" of your lead sheet tune, the FIRST thing to do is RESEARCH and LISTEN. Go on YouTube or other sources and find covers of your tune. Listen and pay attention to the approach the artist(s) used for melody, chord accompaniment, bass part, and percussion/drumming. This is to give you ideas; take notes. Remember, it was the great 20th century Russian composer, Igor Stravinsky, who said, "Lesser artists borrow; great artists steal!" I RECOMMEND YOU PRINT OUT your lead sheet and use it to take notes. ALSO, you'll want to have copies of the lead sheet available as you work on producing your song (i.e. to record a keyboard part, enter or record a bass part, etc.).
2.Convert the LEAD SHEET to a MIDI FILE. Both Finale and Noteflight allow users to SAVE files AS MIDI FILES (.MID). You'll find options for this in the FILE MENU of either program. Save the converted MIDI file version of the song on the desktop so it's easy to find. PLEASE NOTE the TIME SIGNATURE AND KEY of your song.
3. Create a new GarageBand file. When given the option, enter the TIME SIGNATURE and KEY you'd like (that of your lead sheet song). <--This is IMPORTANT!!
4. Drag-and-Drop MIDI file into GarageBand. Do just that: Grab the .MID file off the desktop and drag-and-drop it into the blank area of the TRACK WINDOW of your new GarageBand doc. GarageBand will import the notes of your song.
5. Create a percussion accompaniment. Using LOOPS, GarageBand's DRUMMER, and/or real-time recording of percussion instruments, create a rhythm track that goes along with the feel of your lead sheet song.
6. Create a chord accompaniment track. The chord accompaniment to the melody, often called 'COMPING, fills out the arrangement. You already have a LEAD SHEET, so you have many options for creating this chordal accompaniment:
7. Record/program a BASS LINE for your song. Use the lead sheet and play something as simple as the ROOT of the chord on the first beat of every measure, to something more complex. You can also add additional LAYERS of activity, either rhythmic or tonal. ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR for ideas!
8. Check/Adjust the volume mix levels, and add any other elements to polish your production (i.e. DSP effects, pan, etc.).
9. Export as MP3 and post to your page of the WIKI - please label the song.
Grading Areas [HERE'S THE RUBRIC]
[10] Import MIDI file successfully into GarageBand, including matching key and time signature.
[5] Assign attractive lead sound for melody.
[10] Create BASS LINE based on chord symbols.
[10] Create 'COMPING part to play chords in at least one track/sound.
[10] Add percussion elements in at least two tracks (may be loops or real-time recording.
[10] Set mix levels and add appropriate DSP effects (i.e. reverb) to selected tracks.
[5] Export as MP3 and post to the WIKI correctly.
[60 POINTS TOTAL]